Hong Kong Orientation Guide

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Government Hospitals
Government hospitals provide good service and are fully subsidized, therefore, you would
only pay for the bed and admittance,which is aminimal amount.Some public hospitals have
private rooms.Although this is a littlemore expensive, it is still a lot cheaper than a private
hospital.The downsideofagovernmenthospital isthatyoudonotnecessarily seethesame
doctor everytime you visit and therefore do not get the opportunity to build a rapport with a
single doctor during yourpregnancy.Itispossible thatadoctoryoumayhavenevermetbefore
willdeliver yourbaby. Inaddition,manyofthepublichospitalshavestrictvisitingrulesandthese
rulesmayincludeyour husbandvisitingandpresenceatthebirth.Therefore,pleaseensureyou
checkwiththehospital to fully understand the visitation policy.
Private Hospitals
Many of theprivate hospitals are like five starhotelswith some of the rooms boasting balconies
and views of Hong Kong.The labour wards in these hospitals are first class and comewith the
latest equipment, trained nurses and support staff. In addition, there is a nursery and mothers can
send their baby to the nursery to be cared for whilst theyget some rest.
The majority of private hospitals offer complete maternity packages that include the room, food,
equipment for the baby, initial vaccinations etc. The package does not include the obstetrician,
pediatrician and anesthesiologist, which all come with very high fees.
Be aware that not all health insurance policies will cover maternity or childbirth. The length of
time spent in hospital will depend on the hospital and on the circumstances surrounding the birth;
it is thereforeworthwhile checkingallof thematernitypackagesat thevarious hospitals and feel
free to take a tour of the hospital prior tomaking your decision.
Advice and Organizations
Educational programmes on pregnancy and childcare-related topics are available at MCHCs.
Other organizations such as La Leche League also offer prenatal advice and classes.
Some services are free of charge. The majority of public hospitals provide ante-natal classes for
asmallfee.
Midwifery services and private organizations can support women through the pregnancy, birth
and beyond. Private hospitals also offer pre-natal care at a cost. Contact the hospital directly for
details of services and charges.
Post-Natal Care
After delivery,all womenareprovidedwithpost-natal checkupsandadviceon familyplanning
and contraception via the government’sMaternal and ChildHealth Centers (MCHCs).The centers
also help post-natal mothers by setting up support groups and experience-sharing sessions, as
well as providing individual counseling if this is necessary.Details of the fees and charges for
these services areavailableon theFamilyHealthWebsite.Again eligiblewomenwill find that
many of these services are provided free of charge.
Adoption
Expatriates living in Hong Kong wanting
to adopt must have spent at least
twelve months in the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR). Applications
are handled by the Hong Kong Social and
Welfare Department.
SWD Adoption Unit
4/F, HarbourBuilding
38Pier Road,Central
Hong Kong
Tel: 2852 3107
Advice and Organizations
La Leche League
Tel: 2947 7147
Free breastfeeding information and support.
Monthly meetings for interested mothers.
Large lending library on all parenting topics.
First Steps in Mother and Baby Care
Tel: 2849 1515